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Gonor, Allan

1923-1985

Allan Benjamin Gonor (Avram Ben Mordechai) was born on 20 May 1923 in Zvenigordka, Russia and emigrated to Canada with his parents, Marcus (Max) and Fanny (née Sraer or Shrier) in 1924. They settled in Winnipeg, where his younger sister, Esther, was born. Gonor served with the RCAF from 1942-1945 as a member of the Pathfinder squadron, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. At least two family members are believed to have died during the war, and the existence of one cousin, Avraham (Abrasha) Sharir, was unknown to Gonor until following the war. Gonor married Ruth Brook in 1949, and they adopted three children: Saul, David and Lisa. Gonor earned his medical degree at the University of Manitoba in 1952, and interned at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, in 1952-1953. He and Ruth moved to North Battleford, where he established the North Battleford Medical Clinic. Gonor actively encouraged Cree painter Allen Sapp, a lifelong friend; Gonor and his brother-in-law, Bill Baker, worked extensively and successfully to help promote Sapp’s work to a national and international audience. As a physician, Gonor travelled extensively in the Canadian north and internationally. He developed an interest in Inuit sculpture; and the art and crafts of indigenous cultures generally. He and Ruth established a significant art collection and shared generously their interest in art and their experiences of other communities. Gonor died suddenly while on holiday in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 14 November 1985.